Myles Goodwyn, Renowned Singer-Songwriter of April Wine, Passes Away at 75
via M. Goodwyn Official / YouTube
Myles Goodwyn, the beloved singer, songwriter, and guitarist for the iconic Canadian classic rock group April Wine, passed away on Sunday in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He was 75 years old.
The news of Mr. Goodwyn’s death was shared on social media by Eric Alper, his publicist, though the cause of his passing was not disclosed.
Eric Alper mentioned that Mr. Goodwyn had been “suffering from a lot of health issues,” without providing further details. It’s known that the musician had been open about his battle with diabetes, a condition that had led to his hospitalization in 2008 when he collapsed en route to a Quebec airport for a sold-out show.
In December 2022, Myles Goodwyn announced his retirement from touring with April Wine, culminating in his final performance in Truro, Nova Scotia, in March. His departure marked the end of an era for a band that left an indelible mark on the music scene.
April Wine, recognized for their arena-rock sound and powerful ballads, achieved immense success, selling over 10 million records worldwide. In 2010, they were rightfully inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, and later, in September, earned a coveted spot on the Canadian Walk of Fame. Additionally, Mr. Goodwyn received the honor of being named to the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.
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Formed in 1969 in Waverley, Nova Scotia, April Wine consisted of Mr. Goodwyn, the Henman brothers David on guitar and Ritchie on drums, and their cousin Jimmy Henman on bass. The band later relocated to Montreal and made a significant impact with their debut album in 1971, featuring the hit single “Fast Train.”
While success came swiftly in Canada, it took until 1978 for April Wine to score their first American Top 40 hit with “Roller.”
The pinnacle of their U.S. success came in 1981 with the platinum album”The Nature of the Beast,” which produced their biggest U.S. hit, “Just Between You and Me.”
April Wine’s journey wasn’t without its memorable twists. In 1977, the band found themselves unwittingly posing as the headliner for a charity event in Toronto, only to discover that the opening act, billed as the Cockroaches, turned out to be none other than the Rolling Stones.
Beyond his musical endeavors, Myles Goodwyn embraced the world of literature. His memoir, “Just Between You and Me,” released in 2016, became a bestseller in Canada. Two years later, he showcased his storytelling prowess with the novel “Elvis and Tiger.”
Myles Goodwyn, born on June 23, 1948, in Woodstock, New Brunswick, is survived by his wife, Kim Goodwyn, their two children, and another child from a previous marriage. As we remember the life and contributions of this musical legend, his legacy lives on through the timeless melodies and enduring impact of April Wine.
